The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-10-02
SAMOA'S SEIZURE,
The German Fleet Landed 1900 Men
on the Island.

SAN Francisco, Oct. IA steamship
arrived this afternoon from Australia hav
ing touched at Honolulu on the way. The
steamer brings moderately complete mail
advices from New Zealand respecting the ac-
tion of the German men-ofwar, and the
practical seizure in the name of the Ger
man government of the Samoan group of
islands, Four German men-of-war lying
at Apia landed 800 troops, and marines
Aug. 25, and Immediately proclaimed
Tamazz, King of Samoa. The American
and British Consuls Immediately thereafter
published the following protest:
WHEREAS, The government of Germany has
this day proclaimed Tamazz King of Samoa;
now, therefore, we, the undersigned representa-
tives of the United States of America and
of Great Britain, hereby give notice
that we and our governments do
King of Samoa, but continue as heretofore to
recognize Mauotoa. We advise all Samoans to
submit quietly, not to fight whatever their
provocation, but to await peaceably the result
of the deliberations now in progress, which
alone can determine the future of Samoa.
The proclamation is dated Apia, Aug.
25, and is signed by Harold Marsh Sewel,
Consul General Of the United States, and
w. H. Wilson, British Peace Consul.
New Zealand advices from Apia are to
the effect that disturbances on the islands
were oliiy question of time. The hostility
between the Germans and the loyal natives
were increasing, and the German settlers
were constantly complaining of thefts
committed by the natives, while the
natives complained of the injustice of
the Germans in land transactions King
Maliotoa has complained to the English and
Americans of the conduct of the Germans.
DISTURBANCES INEVITABLE.
Tamazz menaced Maliotoa with the possible
elevation of rival chief, which was actual
lv done as already related. The immediate
provocation which led to the German action
grew out of the celebration of the Emperor
of Germany's birthday. 1t is declared by
New Zealand papers that a number of Ger
mans became intoxicated and handled some
of the natives roughly. A free fight ensued,
the Samoans attacking the Germans. This
affair, however, passed over.
GERMANY's DEMANDS.
Afterward the German Commodore sent
to King MaliotOa demanding 1000 as
damages for injury done Germans, 81 900
being included as personal fine upon the
King. The damages were explained to be
on account of injuries to German planta-
tions and robberies by natives. King Malio-
toa protested against making him liable
for acts of natives under such
circumstances. He asked time to
consider, but on the next day
the Germans landed and posted the follow
ing proclamation:
CITIZENS OF AP1A: By order of His Majesty
the Emperor of Germany, war has been declared
against Chief Maliotoa. The neutrality of the
municipal district will be respected as long as
the security of the German troops is not en-
dangered by any agitation within the municipal
district l call upon the inha abtants to assist in
the maintenance of peace and good order in
Apia.
HENEuLT,
Commodore and Commander of the German
Squadron.
The British and American subjects at
once sought the protection of their respect
i've flags, and a joint circular was then
promulgated by the American and British
Consuls.
THE KING WILL FIGHT.
Maliotog not only denies the authority of
the Germans TO set UP a king in his stead,
but threatens TO fight for his rights. At the
latest date, the ship having sailed from Apia
on Sept. II which brought the latest intelli-
gence, he was mastering l 300 men and ac-
tive hostilities were expected from day to
day. The Samoans are declared to be
indifferently armed and can make no
serious show against the Germans. New
Zealand newspaper comment is bitter
against the Germans, looking upon their
action as practical annexation, despite the
understanding with the United States and
Great Britain.
w. B. Walter and S. B. Marr, both
Americans, came on the steamship Mariposa
to-day, having left the Samoan Islands Sept.
l3, and bringing the very latest intelligence
from there. They relate that two
additional German men-of-war the
Opaland and Diamond, had also appeared
at that port The Germans had landed in
all 3, 100 soldiers and marines. Mr.. Walter
said Consul General Sewell said to him the
day before he left, that he could only ex-
press surprise at the failure of the United
States government to take any action in
view of the breaking of the treaty rights
by the Germans.